We are also aware that there are practices in AAC implementation that lead to better outcomes for every individual with complex communication needs – and, just as importantly, there are practices that lead to poorer outcomes for those same individuals. As we always focus on communication for all, we felt it was important to address both the do’s and don’ts together, since sometimes addressing only the good practices might mean the bad ones don’t get tackled too!

Almost immediately there were questions about the poster. In particular, the item “Don’t create custom pages for specific activities”. This sparked a series of blog posts, expanding on different points of the Do’s and Don’ts of AAC poster, written either by the team at AssistiveWare or Jane Farrall.

Today’s blog post will pull all of these together into one resource for easier reference when used in conjunction with the poster.

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We should always presume competence for a person with communication difficulties. Presuming competence affects how we make choices around AAC, and how we provide opportunities and access to words, communication functions and the alphabet.

Communication partners will model words on the AAC system. They will wait, prompt & respond to the AAC users attempts at communication. They will make comments, rather than ask questions, and they will accept all forms of communication.